Now, you can easily plan group outings using Google Maps
Google has released one of the most awaited features announced at this year's I/O - the ability to plan events with friends. The feature, as the company described, allows users to go to Google Maps application and create a dedicated shortlist of outing sites to share and finalize with friends. Here's how it works.
The hassle of picking a place
Whether you're in India or anywhere else, it is a known fact that picking a place to eat, drink, or hang out with friends is a cumbersome task. One has to share several links, hold long conversations to find a place that everybody likes and is willing to visit. This is where the new feature, which serves as a simplified voting tool, comes in.
How to use Google's event planning capabilities?
In order to get your friends' opinions on any place, say a local diner, you'll first have to create a shortlist of all the possible options. The list, once created by long-pressing, can then be shared with friends via WhatsApp or any other messaging service. This will let them like or dislike your suggestions or add their own preferences into the open list.
Next, you analyze to finalize
Once your friends are done with voting, check the floating shortlist bubble inside Maps to find the most favored option and continue with the plan. This is evidently one of the most practical features announced by Google at this year's I/O. However, it is worth noting the feature could take a few days to reach your iOS or Android device.
Google's focus on exploration and discovery
Notably, in this year's I/O, Google introduced a range of features focusing on exploration and discovery on Maps like the ability to share your estimated time of arrival or discovering trends and events happening in a particular area.
